Forest Fire Fighter Training
Forest fire fighters are heroes who are willing to risk their lives for the safety of forests and the people within them. Their duties range from combating fires directly with water hoses to jumping out of airplanes into hard-to-reach areas.
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Requirements
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All fire fighters must be at least 18 years old and in good physical condition, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Education
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Most fire fighters hold a high school diploma or GED. Some college course work or an associate degree can offer an edge over job competition. Particularly desirable courses include fire science and fire engineering.
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Basic Training
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Obtain basic training from local fire departments, fire protection districts or counties, recommends the Colorado State Forest Service. All fire fighters receive extensive training upon hire at a department training center or academy.
Specialized Training
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State or local agencies and the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management provide wildland firefighting opportunities. These agencies rarely hire anyone without basic training experience.
Other Coursework
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Forest fire fighters must earn their "Red Card" or Interagency Incidence Qualification Card, by completing the National Wildfire Coordinating Group Basic Firefighter course and the Introduction to Fire Behavior course. Candidates must also pass physical tests to prove that they can meet the physical demands of the job.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Forest fire image by Sergey Yakovenko from Fotolia.com
